The Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final picture snapped into focus on Tuesday, as Algeria secured a dramatic, last-minute victory while defending champions Ivory Coast delivered a commanding performance to advance.
In a tense, nail-biting conclusion in Rabat, Algeria defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 with a goal deep in extra time. The match seemed destined for penalties until the 119th minute, when 22-year-old substitute Adil Boulbina became the hero. Released on the left flank, the Al-Duhail forward surged into the area and blasted a powerful shot into the net, sending the Algerian supporters in the Moulay El Hassan Stadium into delirium and his team into the last eight.
The victory sets up a heavyweight quarter-final clash against rivals Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
Earlier, Ivory Coast demonstrated their championship pedigree with a comfortable 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in Marrakesh. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the orchestrator, opening the scoring in the 20th minute with a clever, dinked finish after a driving run. He turned provider twelve minutes later, setting up Yan Diomande for a sublime curling effort that sealed the victory.
Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara was left to rue missed chances, hitting the post in the first half and being denied by a sharp save from Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana after the break.
The quarter-finals of the 2025 AFCON are now set to begin on Friday, January 9, with Algeria vs. Nigeria and Ivory Coast will face Egypt.
